Les extensions contextuelles et structurelles du choix économique rationnel

Rational choice theory stretches out in two complementary directions. Its contextual and extensive application fills and then overflows the strict domain of substantive economy, eventually identifying any human choice with an economic decision. Its structural and intensive sophistication surpasses the basic framework of choice without uncertainty to treat the exogenous and endogenous forms of uncertainty. These two forms of progress, thematic and analytical, come together to ensure the general expansion of the field of rational choice. Beyond its advantages and achievements, this attempt at universal “economization” faces limits in the two directions of its development. Contextually, the logic of instrumental choice is unable to grasp deontological morals and axiological rationality. And structurally, the logistics of rational choice is inoperative faced with a radically uncertain environment and/or a one-on-one interaction with another person.